.a short trip to the shore of southport.

Just a few images captured while on a short day trip to Southport, NC.  Wishing all of you a beautiful start to the week!  

.good morning sunday :: n˚11.

Hello friends!  For all of my fellow Mommies out there. . . Happy Mother's Day!!  I'm wishing you a wonderful day spent in honor of your love and dedication to those precious souls we call our children.  Well, without further ado, here's today's list:

• Started reading The Dressmaker of Khair Khana.     
• I am inspired to meet more people because of Mark Tucker's My Day With. . . series.
• Wow, my mind has seriously gone blank.  Need to brew some coffee.
• Have I told you lately that I still absolutely love the vibrancy and spirit of this artist's work?  Well I do.  :)
• Enjoying this new blog.
• My friend Langley's short film Superhero, a film he created in honor of his late mother, could seriously use your support.  More on this young man here soon!
• And last but not least, I am in love with this film.  God bless Vimeo!

Enjoy what's left of the weekend folks!  Until later. . . 

.PDN's 30 of 2011.

Photographed from PDN magazine.  Original photos taken by Erik Madigan Heck

About a month or so ago, I picked up a copy of PDN's (Photo District News) April 2011 issue from my local bookstore, excited to see that this year's pick of thirty new and emerging photographers had been chosen. A diverse group, each one unique in their style and vision, coming from all sorts of backgrounds from all over the world.  Photography truly has a way of bringing all of us together, allowing us to universally experience that fraction of a second.  As I read their stories, both visually and written, I am inspired by the voice of each photographer.  Daro Sulakauri of Georgia uses her images to bring to the surface the truth of the struggles faced by the people of her country.  The duo that make up Dyad Photography have a knack for bringing the fine art out of smashed fruit.  And these are just a couple.

As an aspiring photographer, beyond being fascinated by their images, I was also strongly encouraged by what each photographer had to say about key lessons learned along the way, and some of the greatest challenges they face even today.  Susan Worsham mentions, "I think like most artists, I struggle with the balancing act of having another job, while trying to establish myself.  It is tough to make your art your priority, but I personally will always find a way to make pictures."  Ivor Prickett's advice, "The best way to advance your career is to keep your head down and make personal work.  Everything else is just supplementary.  Without good, strong personal projects under your belt there isn't much you can do."  Whether shooting fashion spreads for a clothing designer or portraits of loved ones, the common thought is this:  stay true to yourself and your personal style.  ". . . you realize it's not the technique or the camera.  In the end it's the dedication, the approach and, most important, the vision."  -Pari Dukovic

To view each of the galleries representing this year's PDN's 30 of 2011, visit the website.

.under the boardwalk.

 Sometimes, it just takes a day at the beach to put your mind, body and heart in total "chill" mode.  I love it.  Hope you are all having a wonderful week so far friends!  xo

. . .

Yesterday marked several occasions on my calendar.  The first being the one year anniversary of our move from Tennessee to North Carolina, which coincidentally was also the anniversary of the Nashville Flood.  As many of you have probably already been made aware, it will also be noted in our history books as the day this man was brought to an end.  And all I can think about is this. . . that we need to humbly keep moving forward.  There is no celebration in my home today.  Maybe only relief, and a prayer of thanks that many families can find some sort of closure.  But my heart is still a little heavy, a reminder that we all are so vulnerable.  I originally started a post to fill you in on what has taken place since May 1st, 2010 in our family's lives, but instead I wanted to think of those who continue to suffer now.  For the folks in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky.  For Japan.  For our troops.  For the families who are still struggling to make it to the next moment.  I am thinking of you. 

.practicing.

Hey friends!  Hope you're week's going well so far.  Well, I told you that I had some photo shoots scheduled  last week and I'm happy to have some photos up to share with you.  I've been pretty fortunate lately to have several people willing to be photographed.  Yay!  Practice.  Practice.  Practice.  That's what it's gonna take to get to where I want to be.  Already, I'm starting to critique myself. . . trying very hard not to be too critical that I paralyze myself.  The biggest thing for me right now is working on being more observant, patient.  Think, Cartier-Bresson.  Practice.  Keep shooting.  Perseverance is key.  And most importantly, have fun! 

Apologies for such short posts lately.  I figure, Hey!  At least I've got pictures. 'Til next time.

.all dressed up and no where to go.

Just a few images from a recent Mad Men inspired photo shoot.